JPH07311892A - Vehicle image pickup system and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain image data of almost surely picking up a vehicle which runs away without honestly paying toll. CONSTITUTION:The image of a vehicle passing through a tool gate 4 is picked up and when the number plate of the vehicle is detected in the image data, successive image data is cyclically stored in plural frame memories. When the vehicle is unjust in toll and runs away, a toll receiving clark m within a booth 2 depresses a pushbutton 3. As a result, one or plural image data just before the timing when the pushbutton 3 is depressed are read out of the corresponded frame memories, they are transferred and they are preserved in other place.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle image pickup system. The vehicle imaging system according to the present invention, for example, shows the vehicle as evidence when urging the driver of the vehicle who will escape without paying a predetermined fee at a tollgate of the toll road later to pay the fee. This is effective in the case of taking an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following is a conventional vehicle image pickup system of this type.

If there is a vehicle that escapes without paying the required fee at the toll booth, or runs away without paying the fee but the amount is insufficient, the toll collector will push the push button. Push. Then, a shutter signal is sent to the camera to start capturing an image of the escape vehicle.

When a vehicle sensor provided at a tollgate detects a vehicle, the vehicle image pickup is started, and when the toll collector who notices the escaping vehicle presses the push button, an image of the timing is saved.

[0005]

In the case of the above-mentioned conventional example, there is a high possibility that the charge collector pushes the push button at a delayed timing, and the escape vehicle, which is the subject, is not properly or not within the visual field of the camera. The image is captured in the state.

Further, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional example, when the speed of the escape vehicle is extremely high, the timing of pressing the push button does not match, and the image of the escape vehicle is not properly or not within the field of view of the camera. It is likely to be saved. Or even if the push button is pressed at a good time,
Depending on the speed of the vehicle, it may not be possible to save an appropriate image.

In other words, the toll collector needs to perform a quick operation to push the push button at an appropriate timing, which causes a problem of increasing the burden on the toll collector.

The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and when there is an escape vehicle that is illegal in terms of toll, it is possible to obtain image data in which the escape vehicle is almost certainly imaged. Is intended.

[0009]

A vehicle image pickup system according to the present invention includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, an image storage means for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the image pickup means, and a read command signal. And a means for reading from the image storage means at least one image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input, and a means for separately storing the read image data. It is characterized by

A camera may be used as the image pickup means, and a buffer memory may be used as the image storage means.

As the image storage means, it is possible to employ one in which the oldest one of the plurality of image data temporarily stored therein is updated and stored. Further, the buffer memory may be composed of a plurality of frame memories each storing image data for one frame. Further, it may be configured to have means for instructing cyclic writing of image data to a plurality of frame memories, and may instruct to write to the next frame memory in a cycle of several frames.

Further, the vehicle is provided with an illegally passing vehicle detecting means for detecting a vehicle illegally passing through the gate, and the means for reading the image data responds to the detection of the illegal vehicle instead of the read command signal and detects the illegal vehicle. It may be configured to read out one or a plurality of pieces of latest image data at least before the timing.

Further, the camera may be installed on the road in front of the gate. Further, the camera may be attached to an arm that crosses the road of the gate, or may be attached to a pole standing on the island of the gate.

Further, the camera is preferably in a visual field range capable of capturing an image of the license plate of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the stop position of the gate, and at the position in front of the stop position, the camera and the driver of the vehicle. It is preferable to have a visual field capable of simultaneously capturing and.

Further, the monitor may display a plurality of image data read from the buffer memory, and means for selecting which image data to store separately by looking at the images of the plurality of monitors. Furthermore, an unauthorized vehicle image storage memory is provided, and all of the image data read from the buffer memory is transferred to and stored in the unauthorized vehicle image storage memory, and an unauthorized vehicle is detected based on the image data stored in this unauthorized vehicle image storage memory. The image may be displayed on a monitor and an arbitrary image may be selected by the image selecting means from the plurality of images displayed on the monitor.

Further, it may be configured to include means for detecting a vehicle passing through the gate, and means for instructing the buffer memory to write image data based on the input of a detection signal of the vehicle.

It is also possible to detect a vehicle from a first detection point to a second detection point, which is at least an image-capable range of a license plate, and instruct writing of image data over the detection period.

The gate may be installed at a toll gate on the toll road, or the gate may be installed at a parking lot.

Further, it is provided with means for detecting the license plate of the vehicle based on the image data picked up by the camera, and means for enabling the storage of the image data in the buffer memory based on the input of the detection signal of the license plate. The configuration may be different. Further, the gate is installed in the unmanned parking lot, and a read command signal is output based on the output of the means for detecting whether the vehicle has moved forward or backward from the stop position of the gate and the collection of the charge and the detection means. It may be configured to include means.

Further, the license plate detecting means performs a differentiation process on the input image data in the horizontal scanning direction and then binarizes it to detect an edge along the vertical scanning direction to obtain a predetermined width in the horizontal scanning direction. It may be configured such that when the number of edges inside is within a predetermined range, it is set as a plate candidate line, and when a predetermined number of plate candidate lines continue in the vertical scanning direction, a license plate detection signal is output. When the detection signal with the license plate is input from the license plate detection means, the writing command means sequentially and cyclically commands the writing of image data for one frame to each frame memory, while the license plate without When a detection signal is input, any one of the frame memories may be instructed to overwrite the image.

Further, the gate may be provided with an operation unit such as a push button for manually outputting a read command signal for reading image data from the buffer memory. In addition, when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection means, the image data of the vehicle is cyclically stored in each frame memory, and when the operation unit is operated, the image data prior to the timing of this operation is associated. It may be configured to read from the frame memory.

Further, it has means for transmitting the image data read from the buffer memory to the central apparatus, and the central apparatus receives the transmitted image data and the received image data. It may be configured to include a means for separately storing. Further, the input image data is alternately switched to each frame memory and temporarily stored, and when the license plate detecting means detects that there is a license plate, the image data read from any frame memory is compressed by the image compression section. It may be stored in a mass storage medium.

Further, the means for recognizing the characters on the detected license plate and the means for recognizing the characters on the previously recognized number plate when the recognized characters do not match the characters on the previously recognized number plate. It may be configured to include a storage medium in which image data corresponding to the vehicle is accumulated.

The vehicle imaging system according to the present invention may be applied to a road pricing system.

In the vehicle image pickup method according to the present invention, the vehicle passing through the gate is picked up by the camera, the picked-up image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory, and the read command gives at least the immediately preceding timing of the read command. One or a plurality of the image data are read from the buffer memory, and the read image data is stored separately.

[0026]

The image pickup means picks up an image of the vehicle passing through the gate, and the image storage means temporarily stores the picked-up image data.
When the read command signal is output by a required operation or action due to the detection of an illegal escape vehicle, one or more image data are read and stored separately. Since the image data that is read and stored is the latest image data before the input timing of the read command signal, it is possible to obtain image data that captures the escape vehicle almost without error even if there is a timing delay. Become. For fee collectors,
The burden is reduced by not requiring an excessively fast reaction.

As the image storage means, one having a small storage capacity can be adopted by sequentially updating and storing the oldest image data among a plurality of temporarily stored image data. As such an image storage means, there is a buffer memory composed of a combination of several frame memories. Also, while making image data to be written cyclically in multiple frame memories,
The memory capacity can be reduced by shifting to the writing to the next frame memory in several frame cycles.

By reading the image data in response to the detection of the illegal vehicle by the illegally passing vehicle detecting means, the required operation of the fee collector associated with the detection of the illegal vehicle becomes unnecessary.

The camera is generally installed on the road in front of the gate. When the number of gates is large, a plurality of cameras corresponding to the respective gates may be attached together to an arm that crosses the road. When such an arm cannot be provided or when the number of gates is small, it may be attached to a pole standing on the island of the gate. The former is suitable for large-scale gates, and the latter is suitable for small-scale gates.

When capturing an image of a vehicle with a camera, it is more preferable that not only the license plate but also the driver is captured. This is because it is effective for specifying the charge collection destination later.

By preliminarily confirming visually the image data to be stored on the monitor, it is possible to store the image containing sufficient information for specifying the charge collection partner. In particular, it is preferable that both the license plate and the driver are shown.

The image pickup of the vehicle by the camera may be started not only by detecting the license plate but also by detecting the vehicle itself. Compared with the case of detecting the license plate, the structure is simpler and easier. Can be detected.

When the vehicle is imaged, it is preferable to image the vehicle including the license plate. When the license plate is detected, the image capturing of the vehicle by the camera is started.

The detection of the license plate can be performed by detecting the edges by binarization in the horizontal direction and that the number of edges is within a predetermined range in the horizontal direction and continuous in the vertical direction to some extent. The license plate can be detected accurately.

When the constituent elements are a terminal device installed near the gate, a central device installed in a building (center) away from the gate, and a line (wired or wireless) connecting the terminal device to the central device. Since the central device can collectively store the escape vehicle image data from the terminal devices at various locations, the subsequent processing and management are convenient. If the escape vehicle is saved as a moving image, the evidence ability will be increased.

This type of vehicle imaging system is useful in toll road toll booths, in manned or unmanned parking lots, and also in road pricing systems.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a vehicle image pickup system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment. This Figure 1
Shows a state of the toll gate on and around the toll road as an example of a gate through which a vehicle passes.

A booth 2 is provided on the island 1 provided beside each lane so as to secure a space for the toll collector m to enter. Each booth 2 is provided with a toll collection machine, a receipt issuing machine, and the like, and a push button 3 as an operation unit that outputs a read command signal by an artificial operation when the escape vehicle is recognized. The push button 3 is installed within reach of the toll collector m.

A large gate-shaped arm 5 is provided in front of such a toll gate 4 so as to traverse the road, and as many cameras 6 as image pickup means as the booths 2 are attached to the arm 5. At the same time, a pair of lighting devices 7 are attached to the arm 5 on both sides of each camera 6. In each camera 6, the number plate position of the stopped vehicle c enters a predetermined stop position in front of each booth 2,
The driving car has a field of view in a position where it is not imaged. Both illumination devices 7 are aimed at each other in a direction of illuminating a vehicle front range from the license plate position of the stopped vehicle c. Each illuminating device 7 is used at night when the camera sensitivity decreases. The lighting device 7 may be turned on and off manually, but it is preferable that the lighting device 7 is automatically turned on in response to a signal from the illuminance sensor. The distance from the booth 2 to the arm 5 is 10 to 15 m, and the height of the arm 5 is 5 to 7 m.

The terminal device A is attached to the side shoulder on the side of the base of the arm 5.
Is installed, and the terminal device A is connected to the central device B installed in a predetermined building (center) that is far away.
Are connected via a telephone line 8. In this embodiment, the terminal device A can be connected to a maximum of 12 cameras 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle image pickup system. The terminal device A includes a plurality of camera control units 9
, Various control units 10, image compression unit 11, and modulation unit 12
It consists of and. A plurality of cameras 6 and illumination devices 7 on both sides of each camera 6 are connected to each camera control unit 9. A plurality of push buttons 3 are connected to the various control units 10.

The central unit B comprises a demodulation unit 13, a communication control unit 14, and an information processing unit 15, and the information processing unit 1
5, a means such as a video printer 16 and an optical disk device 17 for separately storing the image data of the escape vehicle is connected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera control unit 9. The camera control unit 9 uses the A / D converter 18
The license plate detection unit 19, a plurality of frame memories 20 as an example of a buffer memory as an image storage unit, and a memory input / output bank switching circuit 21. In the A / D converter 18, the camera 6 is 1/30
The image pickup signal obtained by picking up an image every second is A / D converted into image data. The license plate detector 19
The license plate of the vehicle is detected based on the image data after A / D conversion. The license plate presence / absence signal is input to an MPU (micro processing unit) 22 that constitutes the various control units 10.

The memory input / output bank switching circuit 21 uses the MP
The memory input / output bank switching signal output from U22 is input, the write enable signal is output to one of the frame memories 20 on the one hand, and the image data for one frame which is the image pickup signal after A / D conversion is supported. Write to the frame memory 20, and, on the other hand, output a read enable signal to one of the frame memories 20,
The image data is read from the frame memory 20. The details are as follows.

The MPU 22 includes a license plate detector 1
When a signal with a license plate is input from 9, the frame memory 20 to which the image data for one frame is to be written is N
o. 1 → No. 2 → No. 3 → No. 4 → No. 5 → N
o. 6 → No. 7 → No. A memory input / output bank switching signal for outputting a write enable signal for sequentially and cyclically switching as shown by 1 (see circle operation in FIG. 4) is given. That is, the seven frame memories 20 are adapted to update and store the oldest image data among the temporarily stored image data. MPU22
When a signal without a license plate is input, the memory I / O bank switching circuit 21 is provided with a memory I / O bank switching signal for not switching the memory bank of the frame memory 20 in which image data is to be written. When the push button 3 is pressed by the toll collector m to input the read command signal, the MPU 22 sequentially reads the image data from one or a plurality of frame memories 20 immediately before the input timing, The memory input / output bank switching circuit 21 is provided with a memory input / output bank switching signal for causing the corresponding frame memory 20 to output a read enable signal. The image data read from the frame memory 20 is transferred from the terminal device A to the central device B.

FIG. 5 shows the timing of storage and transfer of image data for the seven frame memories 20. As the input image, the one with "X" mark shows the case without the license plate, and the one with "O" mark shows the case with the license plate. When there is no license plate, the input bank is fixed to any one, but when there is a license plate, the input bank is No. 1. It has been cyclically switched starting from 1. When there is a read command signal from push button 3,
If the output bank is No. 1 → No. No. 7 is switched to. After reading the image data from the frame memory 20 of No. 1, 7 frame memory 20
The image data is read from the device, and the read image data is transferred to the central device B. In addition, this N
o. 1 → No. The bank switching of No. 7 is just an example, and the arrow mark in FIG. 5 indicates that the bank switching is performed when the image data is completely input to the memory when the license plate is detected. ing.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of an imaged image of the vehicle at the toll collection position in the tollgate 4. At least the license plate is imaged, but the driver is kept out of the imaging field of view. FIG. 6 shows the case of a passenger car with a hood, and FIG. 7 shows the case of a large truck. At this time,
Since the license plate is visible, the license plate detection unit 19 outputs a signal indicating that the license plate is present. When the vehicle illegally escapes, the toll collector m in the booth 2 pushes the push button 3, but the push timing tends to be delayed. The license plate of the escape vehicle may have already disappeared from the screen when it was pressed.

Therefore, the image data is updated and stored in a plurality of frame memories 20 starting from the stage of detecting the license plate, and the most recent image data before the timing when the push button 3 is pressed is read. . By doing so, even if there is a delay in the timing of pressing the push button 3, it is possible to almost certainly extract the image showing the driver together with the license plate. Toll collector m is not required to react excessively quickly, and the burden is reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position, the image field of view of the camera includes the license plate so that the driver does not enter the vehicle. This is to prevent the license plate of the vehicle following the flight vehicle from entering the field of view of the camera before the toll collector m presses the push button. This is to ensure that the images of the license plate portion of the vehicle and the driver are saved in the buffer memory even if the toll collector m immediately notices the escape vehicle and presses the push button when he or she escapes.

Further, when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position, the license plate portion of the vehicle is not included in the imaging field of view of the camera, and when the vehicle comes out in front of the stop position, the license plate portion of the vehicle is reached. You may install a camera in the visual field range which can image.

In this case, even if the toll collector m notices the runaway vehicle and operates the push button after the succeeding vehicle has stopped at the toll collection position, the number plate portion of the getaway vehicle and its Since the image with the driver is stored in the frame memory 20, it can be taken out.

In any case, the toll collector m determines that the vehicle passing through the toll gate has escaped within the imaging field of view of the camera, and when the push button is pressed, at least the license plate of the escape vehicle is imaged in the buffer memory. Image, preferably the range of the field of view of the image of the driver along with the license plate of the escape vehicle.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 explain the method of detecting the license plate. It is assumed that the image data in FIG. 8 is input and A / D converted by the A / D converter 18. The input image data is differentiated in the horizontal scanning direction and then binarized to detect edges along the vertical scanning direction. This is shown in FIG. A pixel candidate line is defined as a plate candidate line when the number of edges within a predetermined width L in the horizontal scanning direction is within a predetermined range, starting from a pixel at which an edge is first detected. Then, when a predetermined number of plate candidate lines continuously exist in the vertical direction V in the vertical scanning direction, it is assumed that a detection signal with a license plate is output. By such processing, the license plate can be accurately detected. The image data of the license plate thus obtained may be stored separately.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the above operation. In step S1, the input bank is set to No. 1
Is set, and it is determined in step S2 whether or not the push button 3 has been pressed. If not, the process proceeds to step S3 to temporarily store the input image data in the frame memory 20 indicated by the input bank. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the license plate is detected. If it is not detected, the process returns to step S2. If it is detected, the process proceeds to step S5 and the input bank No. It is determined whether or not it is 7, and if not, the process proceeds to step S6, the input bank is incremented by +1 and No. If it is 7, the process proceeds to step S7 and the input bank is set to No. Set it back to 1. When it is detected in step S2 that the push button 3 has been pressed due to the presence of the read command signal,
In step S8, the output bank is set, and in step S9, the latest plurality of image data before the input timing of the read command signal are read from the corresponding frame memory 20 and transferred, and the process returns to step S2. The output bank setting performed in step S8 can be set to an arbitrary number that does not exceed the number of image data stored in the frame memory 20.

The image data read out is the image compression unit 11
The data is compressed by, modulated by the modulator 12, and transmitted to the central unit B via the telephone line 8. In the central device B, the image data demodulated by the demodulation unit 13 is processed by the information processing unit 15 and then recorded on paper by the video printer 16 or separately recorded on the optical disc by the optical disc device 17. The recorded image is likely to show the driver's license plate and the driver. The communication control unit 14
Is capable of controlling up to 80 lines at a communication speed of 9600 bps, for example.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a camera control unit of a vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. 3, and in brief description, 3 is a push button, 9 is a camera controller, and 1 is a camera controller.
Reference numeral 0 is various control units, 18 is an A / D converter, 19 is a license plate detection unit, 20 is a frame memory, 21 is a memory input / output bank switching circuit, and 22 is an MPU.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, 1
The image data captured every 30 seconds is not processed, but is processed in several frame cycles, in this embodiment, three frame cycles, so that an image for a longer time than in the first embodiment is processed. Data is stored in the frame memory 20 in a so-called frame-dropped state.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the image data from the A / D converter 18 is stored in any one of the frame memories 2.
The image input detection circuit 100 that detects that the signal is input to 0 based on the vertical synchronization signal is provided.
3 of the image input completion signal from the image input detection circuit 10
Every time input is performed, that is, the presence or absence of the license plate is determined in a cycle of 3 frames, and if the signal with the license plate is input, the input bank is switched to write the image data to the next frame memory 20. It is a thing.

In other words, in the first embodiment, if a signal with a license plate is input, then every 1/30 second,
Although the banks are switched and the image data is input to the frame memory 20, the bank of the frame memory 20 is switched every 3/30 seconds in this embodiment. Until then, the image data was overwritten in the same bank. To do.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, by increasing the number of the frame memories 20 from seven to, for example, 50, image data for a relatively long period of (3/30) × 50 = 5 seconds can be obtained. The frame memory 20 can be stored in a frame-dropped state, which allows the frame data of the image data including the charge collection state such as whether or not the driver of the vehicle paid the charge m to the charge collector m, for example. It is also possible to store it in the memory 20, which is more effective as an evidence image as a flight vehicle.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a camera control unit of a vehicle imaging system according to the third embodiment. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

In the first and second embodiments, the image data from the frame memory 20 is read out by operating the push button 3 by the charge collector m when the vehicle illegally escapes without paying the charge. However, in this embodiment, even if the push button 3 is not operated, when the vehicle illegally escapes, the image data can be read from the frame memory 20 as follows.

That is, the MPU 22 has the charge collection device 10
1 receipt completion signal and start detection device 102 described later
From the vehicle start signal, it is determined whether or not the fare has been collected correctly. When it is determined that the vehicle has illegally escaped, the most recent 1
The image data is read from one or a plurality of frame memories 20, and in this embodiment, the fee collection device 10 is used.
1. The start detection device 102 and the MPU 22 constitute an illegally passing vehicle detecting means for detecting a vehicle illegally passing through the gate. The illegally passing vehicle detection means will be described in more detail.

When the fee collection is done correctly, the fee collection member m operates the receipt button of the fee collection machine 101, so that the collection machine 101 gives a receipt completion signal to the MPU 22.

In this embodiment, the start detecting device 102 is
As shown in FIG. 13, on the roof 114 of the tollgate 4, three laser beam sensors 102a to 102c are arranged in parallel along the width direction of the road. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, these laser beam sensors 102a to 102c are arranged in front of the toll collection position where the vehicle c stops, and can detect the vehicle c that has started after completion of collection. It has become.

Each laser beam sensor 102a-102c
As shown in FIG. 15, each includes a light projecting unit 104, a light receiving unit 105, and a vehicle detection unit 106. The light projecting unit 104 includes a light projector 107, a scanning mechanism 108, and a drive circuit 109. , The light receiver 105 includes a light receiver 1
10 and a light receiving circuit 111 are provided respectively.

The light projector 107 of the light projecting unit 104 is, for example, a laser diode, and the laser light 112 output from the light projector 107 is generated by the scanning mechanism 108 as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the image is projected downward while being scanned at a constant speed over a predetermined scan angle. The scanning mechanism 108 includes a reflecting mirror that reflects the laser from the projector 107, a rotating mechanism that swings the reflecting mirror, and the like. However, the scanning mechanism 108 is not limited to this, and the rotating mechanism is directly connected to the projector 107. It may be configured to swing.

The drive circuit 109 outputs a trigger pulse signal P1 for pulse-driving the projector 107 at regular intervals. The light receiver 110 of the light receiving unit 105 is, for example, a photodiode, and the reflected light 113 from the object received by the light receiver 110 is converted into an electric signal and given to the light receiving circuit 111 for amplification and waveform. Signal processing such as shaping is performed.

A trigger pulse signal P1 for pulse-driving the light projector 107, an amplified signal P2 output from the light receiving circuit 111, a scan angle signal of the scan mechanism 108, and the like are given to the vehicle detector 106.

The vehicle detector 106 scans the laser light and measures the reflection time thereof. Since the reflection time when the vehicle c exists is shorter than that when the road surface is illuminated, the vehicle c that has started is detected based on this reflection time and a vehicle start signal is given to the MPU 22 in FIG.

When the collection completion signal is input from the toll collection device 101 and then the vehicle start signal is input from the start detection device 102, the MPU 22 determines that the toll collection was correctly performed, and the image data from the frame memory 20 is received. On the other hand, when the collection start signal is not input from the toll collection device 101 and the vehicle start signal is input from the start detection device 102, the toll collection is not performed correctly, and the unauthorized vehicle starts. And escaped,
Similar to the operation of the push button 3, the image data is read from the nearest one or a plurality of frame memories 20.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the image data is read out from the frame memory 20 when the vehicle illegally escapes without the charge collector m operating the push button 3.
It will be compressed and modulated and transmitted to the central unit B via the telephone line, and the burden on the fee collector m will be greatly reduced.

Further, since the starting detection device 102 is composed of the laser beam sensors 102a to 102c, it is possible to detect each motorcycle even when a plurality of motorcycles are translated and run away. Is.

As another embodiment of the present invention, when the push button 3 is operated and it is determined that the vehicle has illegally escaped by the receipt completion signal and the vehicle start signal,
The image data in the frame memory 20 may be read out.

In this case, even if the toll collector m mistakenly operates the push button, the system does not recognize the vehicle as an unauthorized vehicle, and it is possible to prevent the toll collector m from making an incorrect action. In addition, after the push button is operated, the system determines that there is a fraud at the position where the laser sensor is,
The image of the license plate of the escape vehicle and the image of the driver can be reliably read.

Further, the vehicle may be determined to have illegally escaped by determining whether the push button 3 is operated or the vehicle start signal is output without the receipt completion signal. In this case, since the picked-up image of the vehicle is read by the operation of the push button or the detection of the receipt completion signal and the vehicle start signal, whichever is earlier,
Even if the toll collector forgets the operation of the push button, it is possible to deal with it.

Further, similar to the second embodiment, the image data may be processed at a cycle of several frames.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a camera control section of a vehicle imaging system according to the fourth embodiment. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. 3, and in this embodiment, the license plate detector 19 is omitted as compared with the first embodiment. That is, the license plate is not detected, and the most recent one or a plurality of pieces of image data on which the push button 3 is pressed are transferred.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment. In step S11, the input bank is set to No. 1, the image data input in step S12 is temporarily stored in the frame memory 20 indicated by the input bank, and in step S13, the input bank No. If it is not 7, the process proceeds to step S14 to increment the input bank by 1
No. If it is 7, the process proceeds to step S15 and the input bank is set to No. Set it back to 1. Step S16
It is determined whether or not the push button 3 has been pressed. If not, the process returns to step S12 to temporarily store the image data in the frame memory 20 of the next bank, but it is determined that the push button 3 has been pressed. If so, the process proceeds to step S17, the latest one or more image data before the timing when the push button 3 is pressed is read from the corresponding frame memory 20 and transferred, and the process returns to step S12.

As can be seen from the flow chart, the banks are cyclically switched and the image data is updated and stored in the seven frame memories 20 regardless of whether or not the push button 3 is pressed. Therefore, the image data immediately before and after the timing when the push button 3 is pressed may be transferred.

The read image data is compressed and modulated and transmitted to the central unit via the telephone line, and the demodulated image data is processed by the information processing and separately stored by the video printer or the optical disc device.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an outline of a vehicle image pickup system according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the structure of a main part. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

In this embodiment, instead of detecting the license plate, the vehicle c itself is detected to update and store the image data in the seven frame memories 20. As the means, on the roof 114 of the toll booth 4,
Three laser beam sensors 115a to 115, respectively
c, 116a to 116c are provided with the first and second two sets of laser beam sensors 115 and 116. The laser beam sensors 115 and 116 of each set are arranged in the width direction of the road similarly to the third embodiment. The laser beam sensors 115 of the first group are arranged side by side, and are arranged closer to the toll collection position where the vehicle c stops than the laser beam sensors 116 of the second group. Each set of laser beam sensors 115,
Since 116 has the same configuration as that of the above-described third embodiment, its description is omitted.

FIG. 21 shows the laser beam sensor 11 of each set.
It is a figure which shows the relationship between the arrangement position of 5,116 and the imaging area of the camera 6, and is the laser beam sensor 115 of the 1st set.
Is arranged at a position where the vehicle c stopped at the toll collection position can be detected, and the laser beam sensor 116 of the second set is arranged at a position where the vehicle c that has completed collection and started can be detected.

FIG. 22 shows the laser beam sensor 11 of each set.
It is a figure which shows the image pick-up image when the vehicle c is detected by 5 and 116, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first set in which the vehicle c is detected by the first set of laser beam sensors 115.
22A, the license plate of the vehicle c enters the imaging region of the camera 6 as shown in FIG. 22A, and the second set of laser beam sensors 116 detects the vehicle c. Then, as shown in FIG.
The license plate and the driver are configured to enter the image pickup area of the camera 6.

These two sets of laser beam sensors 115, 1
The output of 16 is input to the MPU 22 of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment. In step S21, the push button 3 is pressed, or fraud is detected by the system (there is no input of the collection completion signal of the fee collection machine 101, and the second
Of the laser beam sensor 116 is detected), it is determined whether or not fraud has been detected, and when it is not pressed or when fraud is not detected,
In step S22, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is detected by the first set of laser beam sensors 115, and if it is detected, the process proceeds to step S23 to set the input bank to No. 1
, The image data input in step S24 is temporarily stored in the frame memory 20 indicated by the input bank, the input bank is incremented by +1 in step S25, and the laser beam sensor 1 of the second set is set in step S26.
It is determined whether the vehicle is detected by 16. If the vehicle is not detected, the input bank is set to 8 in step S27.
If not, the process returns to step S24 and the frame memory 2 indicated by the next bank is determined.
When the input bank becomes 8 after repeating the temporary storage of the image data to 0 and the bank increment, step S
Input bank No. 28. Set to 1 and step S24
Return to. When the vehicle is detected in step S26, the process returns to step nS21.

That is, the period from when the vehicle is detected by the first set of laser beam sensors 115 to when the vehicle is detected by the second set of laser beam sensors 116, that is, during the period in which the license plate is imaged. Then, the seven frame memories 20 cyclically store the subsequent image data.

Here, when the passing vehicle is illegal, the toll collector m pushes the push button 3. Alternatively, if the collection completion signal of the fee collection device 101 is not input and there is detection from the second laser beam sensor 116, the process proceeds to step S29, the timing at which the push button 3 is pressed,
Alternatively, the latest one or more image data before the output timing of the second laser beam sensor 116 is read from the corresponding frame memory 20 and transferred, and the process returns to step S21.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the main parts of a vehicle imaging system according to the sixth embodiment. 3 is a push button, 18 is an A / D converter, 19 is a license plate detector, 20 is a frame memory provided with 7, 21 is a memory input / output bank switching circuit, and 22 is an MP.
U and 24 are illegal vehicle image storage memories, 25 is a frame memory provided with seven, 26 is a D / A converter, and 27 is a monitor. The monitor 27 is installed in the booth 2.

In this embodiment, the image data of the escape vehicle to be transferred to the central unit is previously monitored by the monitor 27 before the transfer.
The image data is displayed on the screen, and the fee collector m visually confirms and selects necessary image data.

When the push button 3 is pressed, all the image data stored in the seven frame memories 20 at that time are once transferred and stored in the unauthorized vehicle image storage memory 24. This is for accumulating the image data of each illegal vehicle when the illegal vehicles are consecutive. The display changeover switch 28 reads out image data of any necessary group forming one group in 7 frames, and sequentially stores the image data in the 7 frame memories 25. Each frame memory 25
The image data read from is converted into an analog video signal by the D / A converter 26 and displayed on each monitor 27.

The toll collector m looks at the images displayed on the monitor 27 and confirms which one of the license plate and the driver is the best, and selects one or a plurality of images by the transfer image selection switch 29. , The image data is read from the unauthorized vehicle image storage memory 24 and transferred.
Note that one monitor 27 may be provided and a plurality of image data may be divided and displayed.

Since all the seven frame images are visually checked and selected, it is possible to accurately send the image showing the license plate, the characteristics of the vehicle and the driver well to the central unit.

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the main parts of a vehicle imaging system according to the seventh embodiment. 3 is a push button, 18 is an A / D converter, 19 is a license plate detector, 20 is a frame memory provided with two, 21 is a memory input / output bank switching circuit, and 22 is an MP.
U and 30 are moving image compression units, 31 is an image storage / readout switching unit, and 32 is a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk.

This embodiment is similar to the above-mentioned first embodiment in which the frame memory 20 is switched according to the presence or absence of a license plate, but it is necessary to perform temporary storage and reading for compression at the same time. So frame memory 2
Two 0s are provided. Both frame memories 20 are 1/30
The input image data is temporarily stored by switching every second. When a signal with a license plate is input by the license plate detector 19, two frame memories 2
The image data read from either one of 0 is processed by the moving image compression unit 30 by a known compression technique, for example, MP.
The image data compressed by the EG is stored in the large-capacity storage medium 32 via the image storage / readout switching unit 31. At the time of this compression, the other frame memory 2
Image data is temporarily stored in 0. Mass storage medium 32
When the overflow occurs, the oldest data will be overwritten.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the push button 3 has been pressed. If not, step S3
In step S33, the image data input to one of the frame memories 20 is temporarily stored, and it is determined in step S33 whether the license plate of the vehicle is detected by the license plate detecting unit 19. If not, the step is performed. Although the process returns to S31, when the license plate is detected, the process proceeds to step S34, the image data is compressed by the moving image compression unit 30, and is stored in the mass storage medium 32 via the image accumulation / readout switching unit 31 in step S35. The moving images are sequentially accumulated (at this time, the frame memory 20 is alternately switched), and the process returns to step S31. When the push button 3 is pressed, the process proceeds from step S31 to step S36, and at the timing when the push button 3 is pressed, a plurality of the most recent continuous image data before that timing is transmitted via the image accumulation / readout switching unit 31. Is read as a moving image and transferred to the central device.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the main parts of a vehicle image pickup system according to the eighth embodiment. Parts corresponding to the seventh embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the moving image compression unit 30 is not provided, but the character recognition unit 120 that recognizes the detected characters on the license plate is provided.

In this embodiment, when a signal with a license plate is input from the license plate detector 19, the characters on the license plate are recognized, and the two frame memories 20 are stored in the period when the recognized license plates are the same. Image data is written alternately, and when the recognized license plate is different from the previous license plate, it is assumed that the vehicle being imaged is the next vehicle following, and the image data of the previous license plate is stored / read as an image. The data is stored in the mass storage medium 32 via the switching unit 31. When the data is stored in the mass storage medium 32, the oldest data is overwritten when it overflows.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the operation of the eighth embodiment. In step S41, it is determined whether or not the push button 3 has been pressed. If not, step S4
2, the image data input to one of the frame memories 20 is temporarily stored, and it is determined in step S43 whether the license plate of the vehicle is detected by the license plate detection unit 19. If not detected, the step is performed. Returning to S41, when the license plate is detected, the process proceeds to step S44 to recognize the characters on the license plate, and in step S45 it is determined whether or not it is the same as the previous license plate number. In step S46, the bank of the frame memory 20 is switched and the process returns to step S41. If it is not the same as the number of the previous license plate, the image data of the number of the previous license plate is transferred to the image storage / readout switching unit 31 in step S48.
Is stored in the mass storage medium 32 via the
Return to. When the push button 3 is pressed, the process proceeds from step S41 to step S47, and at the timing when the push button 3 is pressed, the latest image data before that timing is read out via the image accumulation / readout switching unit 31 and the center is read. Transfer to device.

[Ninth Embodiment] The ninth embodiment is a closed type in which the image data of the escape vehicle is not sent to the central unit but is processed at the toll gate.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part. The terminal device A installed outdoors has a camera control unit 9
An operation console D provided in the booth of the tollgate, which includes a control unit 10, various control units 10, an image compression unit 11, and a communication control unit 41.
Includes a communication control unit 42 and a display / storage control unit 43. The display / accumulation control unit 43 includes a console 44,
The video printer 45 and the magneto-optical disk device 46 are connected.

The ninth embodiment can be replaced or applied to any of the above embodiments.

[Tenth Embodiment] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle imaging system of a tenth embodiment. Booth 2
The pole 51 is erected on the island 1 where
A camera 6 and a pair of lighting devices 7 are attached to the pole 51. This tenth embodiment is suitable for small toll booths, but can be replaced or applied to any of the above embodiments.

[Eleventh Embodiment] This eleventh embodiment is applied to charge management of a parking lot. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the outline of the vehicle imaging system of the 11th embodiment. In this figure, 52 is a parking fee payment machine provided beside a gate (exit) of an unmanned parking lot, 53 is a blocking bar provided on the parking fee payment machine 52 so as to be swingable and openable, and 54 is a parking fee payment. It is a pole standing upright in front of the aircraft 52 and beside the lane, and the camera 6 and the pair of lighting devices 7 are attached to the pole 54. The camera 6 has a blocking bar 5
The license plate of the vehicle stopped before 3 has a field of view that can be imaged as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The illumination device 7 illuminates the image pickup area of the camera 6. Shut-off bar 5
A vehicle sensor 55 composed of a loop coil is provided at a stop position before the third vehicle. A terminal device A is connected to the central device via a telephone line 8, and a reading command signal is output from the parking fee payment machine 52 to the terminal device A. When this read command signal is received, the buffer memory (frame memory 20 or the like) in the terminal device A
The image data of the escape vehicle is transferred to the central unit.

When the vehicle sensor 55 detects a vehicle, the image pickup of the vehicle by the camera 6 is started, and the image is temporarily stored in the buffer memory by the license plate search. When the predetermined fee is paid to the parking fee payment machine 52, the blocking bar 53 opens to allow the vehicle to pass. When the predetermined fee is not paid, that is, when the parking fee payment machine 52 does not output the fee collection completion signal and the vehicle sensor 55 reverses the state in which the vehicle is not detected, the parking fee payment machine 52 issues a read command to the terminal device A. A signal (illegal signal) is output, and the latest one or more image data before the timing is sent from the terminal device A to the central device.

Regarding the internal structure of the terminal device A,
Any of the above embodiments can be applied to this embodiment.

[Twelfth Embodiment] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle image pickup system of a twelfth embodiment, and is applied to the charge management of a parking lot as in the eleventh embodiment.
In FIG. 32, the same reference numerals as in the eleventh embodiment are attached.

In this embodiment, two sets of laser beam sensors 121, 121 are provided on the roof 114 of the toll gate of the parking lot so that the vehicle can be detected by the loop coil instead of being detected by the loop coil. 122 is provided. The configuration of the laser beam sensors 121 and 122 is similar to that of the third embodiment described above. In this embodiment, two sets of laser beam sensors 121 and 122 are arranged along the traveling direction of the vehicle. 1 set of laser beam sensor 121,
It is arranged near the blocking bar 53. When the vehicle stops at the toll collection position in front of the blocking bar 53 to pay the parking fee, the laser beam sensors 121 and 12 of the two sets are set.
In No. 2, it is arranged so that the vehicle can be detected.

In this embodiment, when a vehicle enters the gate, the second set of laser beam sensors 122 first detects the vehicle, and then the first set of laser beam sensors 121 detects it. . Further, when the vehicle moves forward and exits from the detection area to the front, first, the second set of laser beam sensors 122 is in a non-detection state, and then the first set of laser beam sensors 121 is in a non-detection state. On the other hand, when the vehicle retreats and retreats backward from the detection area, first, the first set of laser beam sensors 121 is in a non-detection state, and then the second set of laser beam sensors 122 is in a non-detection state. Becomes

Therefore, the two sets of laser beam sensors 1
Based on the output changes of 21, 122, it is possible to detect whether the vehicle has moved forward and exited from the detection area, or whether the vehicle has moved backward and exited from the detection area.

In this embodiment, although the driver once came out of the parking lot and came to the gate, without paying the charge,
If the vehicle returns again, that is, if the vehicle backs up and exits the detection area, it is not an illegal vehicle.
The image data is not read from the frame memory 20.

First, the second set of laser beam sensors 12
When 2 detects the vehicle, the camera 6 starts capturing the image of the vehicle, and the image is temporarily stored in the buffer memory by the license plate search described above. When the predetermined fee is paid to the parking fee payment machine 52, the blocking bar 53 opens to allow the vehicle to pass.

On the other hand, both sets of laser beam sensors 121,
After the vehicle at the toll collection position is detected at 122, the predetermined fee is not paid, that is, the parking fee payment machine 52 does not output the toll collection completion signal, and the laser beam sensor 122 of the second set is in the non-detection state. After that, when the laser beam sensors 121 of the first set are in the non-detection state, the parking charge payer 52 issues a read command signal ( An incorrect signal) is output, and the latest one or more image data before the timing is sent from the terminal device A to the central device. In addition, if the prescribed fee is not paid, the first
When the second set of laser beam sensors 122 is in the non-detection state after the second set of laser beam sensors 121 is in the non-detection state, the read command signal is output assuming that the laser beam sensor 122 has retracted and returned to the parking lot again. It is supposed not to be done.

Regarding the internal structure of the terminal device A,
Any of the above embodiments can be applied to this embodiment.

[Thirteenth Embodiment] This thirteenth embodiment is applied to a manned parking lot. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the outline of the vehicle imaging system of the thirteenth embodiment. In this figure, reference numeral 61 is a booth for storing the fee collector m, 6
Reference numeral 2 denotes a pole that is erected on the side of the lane in front of the booth 61. The camera 6 and the pair of lighting devices 7 are attached to the pole 62. Inside the booth 61, there is provided a push button 3 which the toll collector m pushes when the vehicle is certified as an escape vehicle.

In the thirteenth embodiment, the same camera arrangement as in FIG. 30 may be used, or the camera may be arranged in the arm as shown in FIG.

[Fourteenth Embodiment] This fourteenth embodiment is applied to a road pricing system. FIG. 34
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the outline of the system.

The road pricing system charges the vehicles entering the city center in order to limit the number of vehicles in the urban areas. The vehicle is equipped with a card 71 for wirelessly transmitting an ID code. The ID code wirelessly transmitted from the card 71 is received by the first antenna 72, and the charge according to the vehicle is charged. Card 7
Since it takes a long time to write the charge information and the like to 1, the second antenna 73 checks whether the writing has been normally performed.

When the vehicle image is picked up by the camera 6 at the timing when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle sensor 74, the vehicle may not exist in the visual field of the camera 6 or the license plate may not appear depending on the speed of the vehicle. Therefore, after the vehicle sensor 74 detects the vehicle, imaging is performed for a predetermined time, the license plate is detected, and the image including the license plate is stored as in the above-described embodiments.

Then, the image data of the vehicle that has run illegally without the card 71 is transferred to the central unit.

[0126]

According to the vehicle image pickup system or the vehicle image pickup method of the present invention, the image data read out from the image storage means and stored by the required operation or action due to the discovery of an escape vehicle that is illegal in terms of charge is Since it is the latest image data before the timing of the operation or operation, it is possible to obtain image data of the escaped vehicle almost certainly even if there is a timing delay, making it a powerful evidence in the later toll collection processing. In addition, there is an advantage that the fee collector does not need an excessively fast reaction and the burden is reduced.

By configuring the image data to be read from the image storage means in response to the detection of the illegal vehicle by the illegally passing vehicle detection means, the required operation by the toll collector associated with the detection of the illegal vehicle becomes unnecessary.

By making the image storage means such that the oldest one of the plurality of temporarily stored image data is updated and stored, the one having a small storage capacity can be adopted, and By configuring the image storage means by a plurality of frame memories, causing the plurality of frame memories to cyclically write image data, and shifting to writing to the next frame memory at a cycle of several frames, a small memory can be saved. It is possible to write image data for a relatively long period of time in a capacity, for example, during a period from collection of charges to start of a vehicle in a so-called frame-dropped state.

It is suitable for a large-scale gate when a plurality of cameras are collectively attached to an arm traversing the road,
It is suitable for small gates when mounting a camera on a pole standing on the gate island.

In the case where the image data to be stored is configured to be visually confirmed in advance by the monitor, the image including sufficient information (especially the license plate and the driver) for specifying the charge collection partner can be easily selected, This is effective for storing definite image data.

When the vehicle is imaged, the vehicle including the license plate of the vehicle, preferably the image including the license plate and the driver, can be used, so that the charge collection partner can be specified more accurately.

The license plate is detected by performing edge detection by binarization in the horizontal direction and that the number of edges is within a predetermined range in the horizontal direction and continuous in the vertical direction to some extent. The license plate can be detected with high accuracy.

By starting the image pickup of the vehicle by the camera upon the detection of the vehicle by the vehicle sensor, the structure can be made simpler and the detection can be performed more easily than the case of detecting the license plate.

When the terminal device installed near the gate, the central device installed in the building (center) away from the gate, and the line (wired or wireless) connecting the terminal device to the central device are constituent elements Since the central device can collectively store the escape vehicle image data from the terminal devices at various locations, the subsequent processing and management are convenient. If the escape vehicle is saved as a moving image, the evidence ability will be increased.

This type of vehicle imaging system is useful at toll gates on toll roads, at manned or unmanned parking lots, and also at road pricing systems.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle imaging system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a circular operation of bank switching for a frame memory in which image data is to be written.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of accumulation and transfer of image data with respect to the frame memory.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of an imaged image of a vehicle (passenger car) at a tollgate.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of an imaged image of a vehicle (truck) at a tollgate.

FIG. 8 is a screen display diagram of input image data.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a method of detecting a license plate.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of the vehicle imaging system according to the second example.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of a vehicle imaging system according to a third example.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the arrangement of the laser beam sensors of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a laser beam sensor.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state of laser beam irradiation of a laser beam sensor.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of a vehicle imaging system according to a fourth example.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a fifth example.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing the arrangement of the laser beam sensors of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary diagram of an imaged image of a vehicle at a detection position of a laser beam sensor.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle imaging system according to a sixth example.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle imaging system according to a seventh example.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle imaging system according to an eighth example.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle imaging system according to a ninth example.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle imaging system according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing an outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the outline of a vehicle imaging system according to a thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the outline of a road pricing system according to a fourteenth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 m …… Toll collector A …… Terminal device B …… Central device 1 …… Island 2 …… Booth 3 …… Push button 4 …… Toll gate 5 …… Arm 6 …… Camera 7 …… Lighting device 8 …… Telephone line 9 ...... Camera control unit 16 ...... Printer 17 ...... Optical disk device 18 ...... A / D converter 19 ...... License plate detection unit 20 ...... Frame memory 21 ...... Memory input / output bank switching circuit 22 ...... MPU 23 ... Vehicle sensor 24 ... Unauthorized vehicle image storage memory 25 ... Frame memory 27 ... Monitor 29 ... Transfer image selection switch 51 ... Pole 52 ... Parking fee payment machine 55 ... Vehicle sensor 101 ... Charge collection machine 102 ... Start detection device 120 ... Character recognition unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G07C 9/00 G08G 1/017 H04N 7/18 D

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, an image storage means (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the image pickup means (6), and an input of a read command signal. A means (21, 22) for reading from the image storage means (20) at least one image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal, and a means for separately storing the read image data. (1
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 2. An image pickup means (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, an image storage means (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the image pickup means (6), and an input of a read command signal. A means (21, 22) for reading from the image storage means (20) at least one image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal, and a means for separately storing the read image data. (1
6, 17), and the image storage means (20) updates and stores the oldest image data among the plurality of image data. 3. The image storage means (20) is composed of a plurality of frame memories each storing image data for one frame.
The vehicle imaging system according to the item. 4. An image storage means (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate and a plurality of frame memories for storing one frame of image data captured by the image capture means (6). 20), and means (21, 22) for reading, from the image storage means (20), one or a plurality of image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal. A means for separately storing the read image data (1
6, 17) and means (21, 22, 100) for instructing cyclic writing of image data to the plurality of frame memories of the image storage means (20), and means (21) for instructing the writing. , 22, 100)
Is a vehicle imaging system for instructing writing to the next frame memory in a cycle of several frames. 5. An image pickup means (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, an image storage means (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the image pickup means (6), and a vehicle passing through the gate illegally. In response to the detection of the illegally passing vehicle by the illegally passing vehicle detecting means (22, 101, 102) and the illegally passing vehicle detecting means (22, 101, 102), at least the latest one before the timing of the detection. Means (21, 22) for reading out one or a plurality of image data from the image storage means
And a means for separately storing the read image data (1
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system. 6. A camera (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the camera (6), and a read command based on input of a read command signal. A means (21, 22) for reading from the buffer memory (20) at least one image data immediately before the signal input timing and a means (1) for separately storing the read image data.
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 7. A camera (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the camera (6), and a read command based on an input of a read command signal. A means (21, 22) for reading from the buffer memory (20) at least one image data immediately before the signal input timing and a means (1) for separately storing the read image data.
6, 17), and the buffer memory (20) updates and stores the oldest data in the plurality of image data in order. 8. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the buffer memory (20) is composed of a plurality of frame memories each storing image data for one frame. 9. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the camera (6) is installed on a road in front of the gate. 10. Vehicle imaging system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the camera (6) is mounted on an arm (5) traversing the road of the gate. 11. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the camera (6) is mounted on a pole (51) provided upright on the island of the gate. 12. The visual field range of the camera (6) can image at least the license plate of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the stop position of the gate, and at the position in front of the stop position at least the license number of the vehicle. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the plate and the driver can be imaged at the same time. 13. A monitor (27) for displaying a plurality of image data read from a buffer memory (20), and a selection switch (29) for selecting which image data is to be stored separately from the displayed plurality of image data. ) And a vehicle imaging system according to claim 6 or 7. 14. An unauthorized vehicle image storage memory (24) for storing all of a plurality of image data read from a buffer memory (20), the unauthorized vehicle image storage memory (2) being provided.
4. The image data stored in 4) is displayed.
The vehicle imaging system according to item 3. 15. A means (5) for detecting a vehicle passing through a gate.
5), and means (2) for instructing the buffer memory (20) to write image data based on the input of the vehicle detection signal.
1, 22), and the vehicle imaging system according to claim 6 or 7. 16. Means (115, 11) for respectively detecting that a vehicle passing through a gate has reached first and second detection points.
6) and, based on the outputs of the detecting means (115, 116), the buffer memory (20) is stored in the buffer memory (20) for a period from the vehicle reaching the first detection point to the second detection point. Means (21, 22) for instructing the writing of image data, at the first detection point, at least the license plate of the vehicle can be imaged by the camera (6), and at the second detection point, The vehicle image pickup device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a license plate of a vehicle and a driver can take an image with the camera (6). 17. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the gate is installed at a toll gate on a toll road. 18. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the gate is installed in a parking lot. 19. A camera (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, and a buffer memory (20) comprising a plurality of frame memories for respectively storing one frame of image data picked up by the camera (6). A means (21, 22) for reading from the buffer memory (20) at least one image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal; Means to save the image data separately (1
6, 17) and means (21, 22, 100) for instructing cyclic writing of image data to a plurality of frame memories of the buffer memory (20), and means (21, 22) for instructing the writing. 22,100)
Is a vehicle imaging system for instructing writing to the next frame memory in a cycle of several frames. 20. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data captured by the camera (6), and a vehicle for illegally passing through the gate is detected. In response to the detection of the illegally passing vehicle by the illegally passing vehicle detecting means (22, 101, 102) and the illegally passing vehicle detecting means (22, 101, 102), at least one or a plurality of the latest ones before the timing of the detection. Means (21, 22) for reading the image data of the above from the buffer memory (20) and a means (1) for separately storing the read image data.
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system. 21. The illegal passing vehicle detection means (22, 101, 102), wherein the gate is installed at a toll gate on a toll road.
Detects an illegally passing vehicle based on a collection completion signal from the toll collector (101) and a vehicle start signal from a start detection device (102) that detects that the vehicle has started from the stop position of the gate. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 20. 22. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data captured by the camera (6), and a vehicle for illegally passing through the gate is detected. Illegal passing vehicle detection means (22, 101, 102) and the timing of the detection or the input of the detection in response to the detection of the illegally passing vehicle or the input of the read command signal by the illegal passing vehicle detection means (22, 101, 102). Means (21, 22) for reading, from the buffer memory (20), the latest one or more image data at least before the timing.
And a means for separately storing the read image data (1
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system. 23. The read command signal input to the means (21, 22) for reading image data from the buffer memory (20) is based on an artificial operation.
Item 22. The vehicle imaging system according to Item 22. 24. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6), and the camera (6) A buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of picked-up image data, and means (21, 22) for validating the storage of the image data in the buffer memory (20) based on the input of the detection signal capable of detecting the license plate. A means (21, 22) for reading, from the buffer memory (20), one or a plurality of image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal; Means for separately storing the created image data (1
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 25. A camera (6) for imaging a vehicle passing through a gate installed in an unmanned parking lot, means (121, 122) for detecting whether the vehicle has moved forward or backward from a stop position of the gate, and the gate. Toll collection machine (101) that outputs a toll collection completion signal indicating that a toll has been collected for vehicles passing through
And the charge collection completion signal and the means for detecting (121, 1)
Unit (52) for outputting a read command signal based on the output from the unit (22), and a storage unit (16, 1) for storing the image captured by the camera (6) at the input timing of the read command signal.
7) and a vehicle imaging system including. 26. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate installed in an unmanned parking lot, and means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6). Means for detecting whether the vehicle has moved forward or backward from the stop position of the gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data captured by the camera (6), and detecting the license plate Means (21, 22) for instructing the buffer memory (20) to write the image data based on the input of the detected signal, and means (121, 122) for collecting and detecting the charge.
Means for outputting a read command signal based on the output of (5
2), and means (21, 22) for reading, from the buffer memory (20), one or more recent image data at least before the input timing of the read command signal, based on the input of the read command signal. A means for separately storing the read image data (1
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 27. The license plate detecting means (1)
9) is a method of performing differential processing in the horizontal scanning direction on the input image data and then binarizing it to detect edges along the vertical direction, and when the number of edges within a predetermined width in the horizontal direction is within a predetermined range, plate 3. A license plate detection signal is output as a candidate line and when a predetermined number of plate candidate lines continue in the vertical scanning direction.
The vehicle imaging system according to item 4 or 26. 28. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6), and the camera (6) A buffer memory (20) composed of a plurality of frame memories each storing one frame of captured image data, and image data stored in the buffer memory (20) based on the input of a detection signal capable of detecting the license plate. (21, 22) for instructing the writing of the read command signal, and means (2) for reading from the buffer memory one or a plurality of the latest image data at least before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal.
1, 22) and a means (1) for separately storing the read image data.
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 29. Writing instruction means (21, 22)
When a detection signal with a license plate is inputted from the license plate detecting means (19), the frame memory is sequentially instructed to write image data for one frame, while a detection signal without a license plate is inputted. 29. The vehicle imaging system according to claim 28, wherein when input, a writing command is not output and switching of the frame memory is stopped. 30. A camera (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, a buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of image data picked up by the camera (6), and a read command based on an input of a read command signal. A means (21, 22) for reading from the buffer memory (20) at least one image data immediately before the signal input timing and a means (1) for separately storing the read image data.
6, 17), and the read command signal input to the means (21, 22) for reading image data from the buffer memory (20) is based on human operation. 31. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6), and the camera (6) A buffer memory (20) composed of a plurality of frame memories for respectively storing one frame of captured image data, and a plurality of buffer memories (20) based on the input of a detection signal capable of detecting the license plate. Means (21, 22) for instructing cyclic writing of vehicle image data to the frame memory, and a read instruction signal for reading image data from the buffer memory (20) provided in the gate, which is manually output. The operation unit (3) corresponds to image data at least before the operation timing at which the operation unit (3) is operated. Vehicle imaging system to be read out from the frame memory. 32. Means (5) for detecting a vehicle passing through a gate
5), a camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through the gate, and a buffer memory (20) including a plurality of frame memories for storing one frame of image data captured by the camera (6), respectively. When the vehicle is detected by the operation unit (3) provided at the gate and outputting the read command signal for reading the image data from the buffer memory (20) by a manual operation, and the vehicle detection means (55). A vehicle imaging system in which image data of a vehicle is cyclically stored in each frame memory, and when the operation section (3) is operated, image data at least before the timing of this operation is read from the corresponding frame memory. 33. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6), and the camera (6) A buffer memory (20) for storing a plurality of picked-up image data, and means (21, 22) for instructing the buffer memory (20) to write the image data based on the input of the detection signal capable of detecting the license plate. A means (21, 22) for reading from the buffer memory (20) at least one image data immediately before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal; And a receiver for receiving the transmitted image data. A vehicle imaging system having a memory for separately storing received image data. 34. A camera (6) for capturing an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data captured by the camera (6), and the camera (6) A buffer memory (20) composed of a plurality of frame memories for alternately switching and storing imaged image data, and an image read from the buffer memory (20) based on an input of a detection signal capable of detecting the license plate An image compression unit (30) for compressing data, a mass storage medium (32) for storing the image data compressed by the image compression unit (30), and a buffer memory (20) provided in the gate. When an operation unit (3) that outputs a read command signal for reading the compressed image data by an artificial operation and the operation unit (3) are operated, the operation A transmission unit for reading the compressed image data before the imming from the mass storage medium (32) and transmitting the compressed image data to a central device, wherein the central device receives the read compressed image data. And a memory for separately storing the received compressed image data. 35. A camera (6) for picking up an image of a vehicle passing through a gate, means (19) for detecting a license plate of the vehicle based on image data picked up by the camera (6), Means for recognizing characters (1
20) and a buffer memory (20) composed of a plurality of frame memories for storing image data captured by the camera (6)
When the characters of the license plate detected and recognized do not match the characters of the license plate recognized before, the image data corresponding to the vehicle of the license plate recognized before that is stored in the buffer memory. A storage medium (32) read out from (20) and accumulated, and image data before the input timing of the read command signal based on the input of the read command signal is stored in the storage medium (32).
Means (21, 22) for reading out the image data and means (1) for storing the read image data separately.
6, 17), and a vehicle imaging system comprising: 36. A road pricing system for writing charging data to a storage medium (71) mounted on a vehicle traveling on a road within a predetermined toll area by wireless communication, wherein the vehicle traveling on the road is Detecting means (74), imaging means (6) for imaging the vehicle traveling on the road, image storage means (20) for storing a plurality of image data captured by the imaging means (6), and read command signal Means (21, 22) for reading from the image storage means (20) at least one of the most recent image data at least prior to the input timing of the read command signal, and the read image data. Means to save separately (1
6, 17) and the image storage means (2
0) to instruct writing of image data (21, 2)
2) and a vehicle imaging system including. 37. An image of a vehicle passing through a gate is picked up by a camera (6), and the picked-up image data is stored in a buffer memory (2).
0) is temporarily stored, one or a plurality of image data immediately before the timing of the read command is read from the buffer memory (20) by the read command, and the read image data is separately stored. Vehicle imaging method.